Auran Games and Gamecock Media Group have announced that Fury, their newly launched PvP-centric MMO, will be free-to-play as of December 14, 2007. WarCry has more on the recently upheavals in the Fury camp.

Quote:

Cockpit, Austin, TX - December 10, 2007 - Gamecock Media Group and Auran Games today announced a new Free to Download, Free to Play option for their fast paced arena combat game FURY. The new business model will begin with the release of the first major free content update "Age of the Chosen" on December 14, 2007.
"FURY was built around giving players options that suit their play style and their wallet," said Tony Hilliam, CEO of Auran. "With the AotC update, we are introducing a new player category called "Chosen". As one of the Chosen, players can access all game types, equip all weapons and unlock all 400 abilities - and they can play as much as they like absolutely free. This is a fantastic opportunity for players to jump into battle with their mates and discover the frenetic pace of the fastest RPG combat ever. Chosen will earn less gold and essence, and will not be able to trade with other players."
"Chosen players can purchase game gold from the FURY store or upgrade to "Hero" status to earn more Essence and Gold. Retail stores sell the "Hero" status pack, along with a free month of "Immortal" status, so this is $30 value for the new price of $19.99 (in US stores). As a Hero or Immortal players can unlock abilities faster and purchase better gear, but the matchmaker then ensures they are playing against other players of similar skill and rank."
FURY: Age of the Chosen is a massive free content update that introduces two new game types aimed at the new player. "Carnage" throws two teams into battle with the aim of returning blood tokens to their base faster than their opposition. Blood tokens are gained from killing bots, not other players, so the action is indirect competition rather than head to head. The 1v1 Elimination game type means games will spawn faster and matches are more evenly balanced.
For more on FURY, visit www.unleashthefury.com. Also, be sure and visit http://www.unleashthefury.com/ageofthechosen/ for information on the Age of the Chosen update and new business model.

Ah, the next step towards cancellation. The market just can't support so many MMO's. This idea that 9 million people play WoW, therefore their must be 9 million more people who want to play something other than WoW is incorrect.

VPeric

December 13th, 2007 07:37

Plus, Fury is apparently a really bad MMO.

Corwin

December 13th, 2007 08:34

You mean there's such a thing as a really good MMO??!! :)

Inauro

December 13th, 2007 08:48

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Corwin
(Post 57754)

You mean there's such a thing as a really good MMO??!! :)

Ah, it's always so rewarding when people appreciate the genre you report on… Hey, wait a minute!

But seriously folks. Sure, the MMO genre has problems beyond the dreams of most analysts, but let's be honest, the entire PC gaming industry is wallowing in the doldrums of uninspired design and lacklustre storytelling these days. It's hardly particular to MMOs.

Prime Junta

December 13th, 2007 10:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reyla
(Post 57740)

Ah, the next step towards cancellation. The market just can't support so many MMO's. This idea that 9 million people play WoW, therefore their must be 9 million more people who want to play something other than WoW is incorrect.

I'm not so sure. People do eventually get bored of things, and new people do arrive in the genre.

However, I think the misconception is that any ol' MMORPG will work as well as WoW. I've never played it, but it's clear they're doing *something* right — and that kind of success isn't easy, and almost impossible to achieve by mere emulation.